A Young Girl's Extraordinary Account Of Heaven And Miracles Throughout A Kidnapping Experience

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! Spring is my favorite season. It’s a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. Flowers are blooming, birds and butterflies are in the air, and the hillsides have turned green and are picture perfect. Aside from the weather changes, I usually take the time for “spring cleaning” in my house to get organized and I make new health and physical goals. As the seasons change, it can feel like life will go on forever; the cycles continue over and over. The truth is that life can unexpectedly change in an instant. We should always remember that as assuredly as we have new beginnings in the spring, we know that one day this life will end and it may end without warning. When I was kidnapped:

2:00 PM, I was sitting in my 7th grade class-room anxiously waiting for school to end so I could go to my Camp Fire Girl’s meeting.

4:00 PM My life was in the hands of a mad man as I was being strangled, beaten and then later, eventually left in the hills to die.

I remember my feeling of surprise at that moment when I realized that, even though I was only 12-years-old at the time, living was not a permanent thing. I could die at any moment. We all could die at any moment.

When I was finally released into the hills, I had the sense that, “Okay, so I’m not dying.” – well, not yet anyway. This was just a temporary reprieve. One day I won’t get to exhale. One day I might not see the sun. I know my body has an expiration date – as we all do.

Some people may think it’s depressing or morbid to consider your demise, but I think it’s helpful. We should all remember the fact that we will NOT be here, breathing, walking, and talking forever. We all know people who were here one day, healthy and productive, and then in a second, life as they knew it was over. We don’t know when our ticket will be up, but we do know that our time is coming and every day that we live brings us closer to that date.

So the natural question to ask ourselves is: What do I want to do with time I have left?

Each day is a new beginning; the chance to make a difference… the chance to live life with fulfilling purpose.

We would never regret putting our time and energy here:

Spending quality time with loved ones, laughing with them, sharing with them.

Letting go of resentments. Forgiving others and living life with love. Showing mercy and grace.

Not comparing yourself to others. You are your own unique person. Finding the gold within yourself and focusing on the good stuff. Being the best “you” that you can be.

Treasuring every wrinkle and grey hair. Each one represents what you have overcome and the lessons you have learned. Embrace this new status and the wisdom that comes along with the journey.

Passing your knowledge to others. Letting others learn from your mistakes and from you accomplishments.

Being kind to everyone you meet. You will never know the inner struggle that others are dealing with. When people are rude, be kind anyway.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Desmond Tutu

Life sometimes takes us through difficult detours in which we can be overwhelmed with hopelessness and despair. Some people may have lost their sense of purpose and meaning in life… At times like this it can be difficult to pull yourself out. Yesterday, was Good Friday, the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Imagine the horrific experience the Jesus endured. He didn’t deserve the pain and betrayal that he received. He was beaten, spit on, ridiculed, forced to carry a heavy cross on his back up the hill to then be nailed upon. Imagine the pain and suffering that he endured… Even throughout this pain, He didn’t let the situation change His heart. He called out to His Father and said, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” He wanted the Father to show mercy. Jesus understood the struggles that each person had. While on the cross, Jesus told the criminal on the cross next to him, “I’ll see you later today in paradise.” Easter is a reminder that our life here on earth is not forever, but life does continue. Death is not the end and one day we will be free from pain, sorrow, illness and death. Until this day comes, let’s live our lives to the fullest as we love one another and live our lives with meaningful purpose.

I hope you all have a Happy Easter!

I’m happy to announce that today, my book, Through the Fire is on sale 15% off on Amazon. Thank you for sharing with your friends and family. I appreciate the positive feedback and support that I have been given. Thank you! 🙂

Wow! Powerful post, extremely motivating as well as thought-provoking. Your words simply clarify that even though our past affects us, it needn’t destroy us. I can identify with so much of what you profess and respect you for remaining sane and strong! Well done and blessings back,